Toronto, ON – February 22, 2016 - With the high school year half over and post-graduate applications submitted, all eyes are on prom 2016. Just in time for the dress hunt, Hudson’s Bay, Canada’s iconic department store will launch curated prom collections for millennial girls at the end of February 2016.

“We’re thrilled to be a one-stop destination for the 2016 prom girl, offering the latest trends and hottest styles,” says Suzanne Timmins, SVP and Fashion Director, Hudson’s Bay. “No matter what she’s looking for, she’s sure to find a look that will make her the belle of the prom.”

In celebration of this launch, Hudson’s Bay will host Prep for Prom in-store events at 23 locations nationally from 2 – 4 p.m. on March 5, 2016, and in the Quebec market on March 12, 2016. These events will include prom fashion shows modelled by local high school students, and a variety of fun activations to create the full prom experience including photo booths, cosmetic outposts by MAC, light catering, DJ’s and custom corsages with local florists created on site. Guests will get to enjoy 20 per cent off women’s and men’s regular priced prom fashions and accessories for the day. In addition, special guest Degrassi: The Next Generation star Ana Golja, will join party goers at Hudson’s Bay’s Queen Street, Toronto location to help spread the prom spirit.

For a chance to join the #HBpromsquad and model the latest prom looks in these local fashion shows, click on the Hudson’s Bay Facebook page for more details. Girls and guys across Canada are open to apply and those selected to model in the show will be automatically entered in a national contest to win the ultimate prom prize – an entire prom look from head to toe, courtesy of Hudson’s Bay.

Prom collections will be easy to spot and discover with whimsical birds and vintage florals adorning the curated spaces. Located in the Women’s dress department, these 23 Hudson’s Bay stores across Canada will offer 600 – 2,000 sq. ft. prom dress shops, specifically arranged by colours and styles to make the experience fun and easy to shop, especially for the girl with her Pinterest page in hand. Once the perfect dress is found, girls can add a final flair to their looks with the perfect shoes and handbags from the prom assortment in the Footwear department.

The latest and of-the-moment prom dresses will be offered from fashion forward brands like Betsey & Adam, Xscape, Decode 1.8, Vera Wang, Eliza J, Cachet, Mac Duggal, Adrianna Papell and Glamour by Terani. Dresses start from $249 CND with an average price of $329 CND, sure to please the parents. A small number of the most special prom gowns, priced between $579-$789 CND, will also be available at select Hudson’s Bay locations. Stylish footwear brands include Kendall & Kylie, B Brian Atwood, BCBGeneration, Steve Madden, Fergalicious, G by Guess, Jessica Simpson, Nina and Dune London. Footwear starts from $80 CND with an average price of $130 CND, so you’ll want to dance the night away, even after the after-party.

All dresses, footwear and handbags found in the prom shops will also be available online at thebay.com, allowing customers to shop the collection regardless of where they live in Canada. The curated prom collections will be available until the end of May.

Incorporated in 1670, Hudson’s Bay Company is North America’s oldest company. Hudson’s Bay stores have grown to become Canada’s most prominent department store, today operating 90 full-line locations, two outlet stores and thebay.com. It has established a reputation for quality, service, and style by offering well-edited assortments of exclusive and popular fashion, beauty, home and accessory designers and brands. It is part of the Hudson’s Bay Company brand portfolio.